Rally Against Sexual Violence at Universities

It has been twelve months since the release of the Change the Course report on campus sexual violence. Out of the 30,000 students who participated in the survey, it was found that overall, 51% of Australian students had experienced sexual harassment and 6.9% were sexually assaulted during 2015/16. These statistics were shocking, but not surprising to students. This shock was meant to be met with action.

Despite recommendations made in the report, university responses have widely differed with some failing to take any substantial action over this time. Actions taken by some campuses and their student unions to communicate this issue and introduce changes to policy and services should be commended. However, when we compare the actions of some universities in Australia, we can see our University lacking in progress.

UMSU and University management have a common goal of preventing sexual violence, as well as fostering a safe environment for students in and out of the classroom. UMSU, as the student organisation on campus, has changed its internal policies and practices to reflect this goal. While approaches to tackling this issue may differ, the University and student representative organisations must be working in collaboration. The entire campus community benefits when there is real collaboration between students and management, and when student voices are heard and acted upon.

We do not mean to minimise the steps the University of Melbourne has already taken to tackle this issue, however, we believe that our University could have done more over the last year. We would like to see the University introducing significant systemic and cultural changes – from offering better student support services, to changing campus and classroom culture. These changes need to be introduced on every level, from students to teachers and staff, and up to administrative management. This needs to be done now.

UMSU calls upon the University to take further leadership on this issue and enact the following steps in sexual violence prevention at the University of Melbourne:

Further education on consent, healthy relationships, and bystander awareness beyond digital modules, with education on the issue being bought into the curriculum

An accessible, anonymous reporting portal that deals with cases in a transparent fashion

That the collection of all data pertaining to sexual violence be in a centralised location, with such data being released every 2 years.

Further oversight into the colleges and their dealings with cases of sexual violence

An investigation into college culture and hazing at all colleges, whether university owned or not.

A specialised unit within student services to deal with cases of sexual assault and harassment

A standalone sexual assault and harassment policy, with its drafting and implementation being undertaken in consultation with student and staff representatives.

Further funding to counselling and psychological services.

Adequate information for international students regarding Australian law, rights, and university culture.

The survey results have provided Australian universities with the knowledge to tackle the issue of sexual violence on campus. While recognising that sexual harassment and assault are not issues specific to the university setting, universities have the power to lead the change. The University of Melbourne prides itself on shaping the great leaders of tomorrow. Those future leaders are calling for change. We want to be heard. We want to be believed. We want a safer community – not only on campus, but in the wider community. Universities need to be taking this opportunity to connect with their communities to create a safe, inclusive campus for all. We believe our university can do it.